Whether you are religious or not, the amazing churches and cathedrals that you can find in Costa Dorada are gorgeous examples of incredible architecture and artwork that you won’t want to miss. Many of them probably aren’t far from your holiday rental

Iglesia de Santa Maria

Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, this amazing church is a lovely view of the Gothic architectural style and a must-see for anyone in the Prades region. While the church is small, it offers beautiful architecture and artwork. It’s also a great place to visit during the Christmas holidays. You’ll also want to check out the square where it’s located and see more examples of beautiful, historical architecture and artwork.

Parroquies de st. Joan

This gorgeous church is a must-see if you are in the province of Tarragona. It has the highest bell tower in Catalonia that offers a spectacular view that you won’t want to miss. A beautiful altarpiece is the focal point of this church, but you can also check out the amazing architecture, ancient pottery from the Battle of Trafalgar, and the machinery from the working clock.

Church of San Miguel

A fascinating church named after the archangel Michael, it’s main attractor is the Christ statue located on the very front of the church. Many visitors like to stop and stare up at the magnificent sight. Not only is a beautiful piece of architecture, the church also has a lot of history. It was built over 200 years ago and was once the home of a noble. The church is one of the largest buildings in a relatively small city and because it was built over a span of many years, its style is a little eclectic, which adds to its charm.

Capilla de Santa Tecla

This is a tiny chapel located off a narrow street. You’ll find it when you see the arch that goes over the street. The church is dedicated to its patron saint, Santa Tecla, and there are many chapels devoted to this saint throughout the city. It has a beautiful blue ceiling and is made of local stone.

We hope you found some peace and respite within those hallowed walls. If nothing else, you may have escaped some of the crowds who are also enjoying the beautiful city of Costa Dorada. Now you can head back to your rental villa or apartment and send off all those gorgeous photos you took so that others can enjoy!

There are many family activities in Catalonia and Barcelona that are suitable for families with kids. Whether you go to the Ebre Delta or the Pyrenees, there are a myriad of options from which to choose that will delight and entertain your little ones. Catalonia has everything that families seek for a holiday in barcelona with children including some of the activities that are listed below.

Bike along a railway track

One of the family activities in Catalonia and Barcelona is biking without having to worry about cars and other vehicles. The Greenway runs from Aragon to Catalonia, which is the same route of the old railway track. At present, the rails are gone and in their place is a well-maintained track that is exclusive for hikers and cyclists, as well as horse riders. The track is relatively flat, which is ideal for the whole family. Just make sure that you bring a flashlight because there are tunnels along the way, and some of them are unlit. The total distance of the track is around 130 kilometres, but you don’t need to travel all the way. The Catalan side of the track takes your family through the Baix Ebre and Terra Alta regions, which are filled with wonderful sceneries.

Parc Guell

Parc Guell is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites found in Barcelona. It was created by renowned architect Antoni Gaudi and feels like a scene right out of a fairy tale. Visiting the park and exploring the grounds is an ideal family activity in Catalonia and Barcelona. Children will be in awe of the Hansel and Gretel homes, leafy plazas, and dragons found throughout the park’s grounds. The best way to get to the park is to take the metro to Vallcarca and then travel up to the park via the escalator to the back of Parc Guell.

Coastline at Lloret de Mar

Kids who love to climb rocks and explore beaches will adores the coastline of Lloret de Mar. A list of family activities in Catalonia and Barcelona is incomplete without a mention of the wonderful beaches in the region. A rocky area just north of the main beach in Lloret de Mar is ideal for children who love adventure, and parents who love stunning scenery.

La Rambla

To complete your list of family activities in Catalonia and Barcelona, take a stroll down the famous La Rambla in the center of Barcelona. Enjoy the various street performers, human statues, painters, animal stalls, flower vendors, and a lot more. La Rambla is definitely a sight that visitors must see in Barcelona before heading back home.

When staying in your villa in Barcelona you will have to explore the place like the locals that will give you the insight to the rich local cultures and the legends that are a part of their rich traditions. There is plenty to explore that you can only undertake when you plan for an extended stay in one of the inexpensive rented accommodation.

A gaggle of geese

Go to the Barcelona Cathedral is the home to a gaggle of thirteen geese that are a symbol of the tragic past of the Church. Santa Eutalia, the patroness of the city, was killed at the age of thirteen. Going to the Cathedral at noon or afternoon will give you free entry!

The magic fountain

The Magic Fountain that is the Canaletes Fountain is situated on top of Las Ramblas and is also decorated with the shield of Barcelona while being topped by an iron lamp. Drinking water from the fountain will assure your return to the city. It is also the place where FC Barcelona come and celebrate their victories.

The lucky turtle

Go to the Casa de l’Ardiaca that is the wall outside the Cathedral and you will find the little turtle patting whom is said to being in luck. He sits pretty on the stone rectangle that was a former mailbox of a lawyer’s home. The story of the birds around is to depict justice that is free and unbound and the tangled ivy, and the turtle indicates the slowness of the process. When you enter the Casa de l’Ardiaca, there are several Roman aqueduct that you can see those that once ran through the city. There are also several exhibitions and public archives.

The spitting Gargoyles

The Spitting Gargoyles are those that are jutting out of the walls of the Cathedral and include the lions, elephants and unicorns and some eternal monsters. When the Corpus Christi were passing by they spat, and now they are punished as the plumbing on the walls of the cathedral. When it rains they actually spit and drench the passersby – so be careful.

Sant Jordi and the dragon

Sant Jordi and the Dragon is best found in the Gothic Quarters where there are several statues of St. George, the patron saint of the city. He stabbed the dragon, and there are several reliefs like the one in the Carrer del Bisbe. A subtle image that you will come across is on the top of Gaudi’s Casa Batllo that is said to be inspired by the skin of a dragon. April 24th is he day of the saint with many celebrations in the country.

If you´re lucky enough to be taking a Spain holiday in one of our Barcelona holiday rentals on 23 June, then get ready to experience one of the most unforgettable festivals in the world!

The feast of Sant Joan is a truly unique Catalonian holiday that welcomes summer by celebrating the summer solstice. In Catalonia, the sun represents fertility and wealth, thus bonfires and fireworks are on display as symbols of strength and energy for the coming season. The original flame is ignited in the town of Cangió in northern Catalonia, and it is welcomed with different ceremonies as it travels through the districts of Catalonia. Once it arrives in the city of Barcelona, the president of national parliament and other personalities welcome the flame to the city in a formal ceremony.

There are three symbols of Sant Joan: water, herbs, and, of course, fire. Water represents healing, and for that reason it is a great opportunity to bathe yourself in the therapeutic salt waters of the sea. Herbs represent remedy, and it is very common for people to pick herbs during this time of the year. Fire symbolizes purity, which is why fires line the beach during the festival.

Beach festivities of Sant Joan

The official food of Sant Joan is the Coca, similar to a special kind of flatbread, and it comes in many flavors, both sweet and savory. The common ingredient in both varieties is anise, which gives the coca a distinct, somewhat spicy flavor. On the day and night of the festival, macaroons and herbs with ice will be handed out for free along the beaches to help celebrate the feast!

Coca de Sant Joan

The most famous feature of the Sant Joan festival is the beach party that lasts through the entire night. If you want to admire the festivities in a quieter setting, head up to the top of Montjuïc and admire the amazing celebration from above! The day after the festival, everyone rests and shops will be closed on the regional holiday.

The beaches of Barceloneta will begin filling up on the evening of 23 June, so grab some friends and family, perhaps a few bottles of cava and a blanket, and head to the beach to experience one of the most incredible festivals of the year! If you’ve booked one of our Barcelona holiday rentals, we hope that you enjoy taking part in this amazing feast!